Nutrition Assessment and Diagnosis
Overview
This unit will develop student competencies relating to the assessment and diagnosis of nutritional status of individuals and populations, consistent with entry-level competency expectations of Dietitians Australia. This includes exploration of the limitations and utility of nutrition assessment methods relevant to nutrition and dietetic practice, research and evaluation. This unit integrates case-based learning principles into the application of nutrition assessments used in contemporary dietetic practice and research. Nutrition screening and assessment tools and methods will be covered in detail.
Requisites
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critique nutrition assessment methodologies relative to applications in nutrition assessment, diagnosis and evaluation in contemporary nutrition and dietetic practice.
- Implement nutrition screening and assessment methods appropriate to different nutrition and dietetic practice contexts.
- Collect, organise and evaluate anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, growth, haematological and functional status data relevant to nutritional status assessment and evaluation of individuals and populations.
- Diagnose and communicate malnutrition based on evidence and in comparison to reference ranges and nutrition guidance systems.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Workshop | 36 | 12 weeks | 3 | |
| Specified Activities | Various | 36 | 12 weeks | 3 | Discussion board, Readings |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 78 | 12 weeks | 6.5 | Independent study, Assignment preparation, Revision |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 12.5 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 30% | 2,3,4 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 40% | 3,4 |
Content
- Nutrition Care Process including International Dietetic and Nutrition Terminology
- Growth monitoring
- Energy expenditure and physical activity assessment
- Dietary assessment methods
- Anthropometric assessment methods
- Biochemical assessment of nutrition status
- Body composition assessment methods
- Haematolical assessment of anaemias
- Functional tests and clinical signs of malnutrition
- Malnutrition screening
- Nutrition diagnosis
- Graduate Attribute 1 (Communication 1 - Verbal Communication)
- Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
- Graduate Attribute 5 (Digital Literacies 1 - Information literacy)
- Graduate Attribute 6 (Digital Literacies 2 - Technical literacy)
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.